Suzuki V-Strom adventure bike gets ‘DR Big’ makeover for 2020
Suzuki refresh 1000cc adventurer with ’80s style makeover
Suzuki have concentrated on quality rather than quantity for 2020 with just two new offerings – a fully-updated V-Strom 1050 and 1050 XT.
The refreshed adventure bikes get revised styling, improved electronics and Euro5-compliant engines. The familiar 1037cc V-twin also gets mild power boost taking it to 105.9bhp from 99bhp. As predicted, its revised styling is inspired by the DR Big 750 and 800 of the 1980s, with a more angled ‘beak’, new, more angular bodywork and striking new colours (for the XT model) all of which are reminiscent of the now legendary DR Big single trailie. Inside the fairing there’s a new LCD dash, while both bikes also get ride-by-wire throttle facilitating three rider modes, and updated traction control. As before, the XT is the higher spec, more rugged, off-road orientated version. Accordingly it gets tasty, alloy-rimmed spoked wheels in place of the stock version’s cast alloys, a different screen which is onehand/11-way adjustable (the stock version’s is only 3-way and requires tools to change), engine crash protetction bars, hand guards and different mirrors to suit, LED indicators plus also more sophisticated electronics including cornering ABS, hillhold control and now cruise control, too.
The XT version’s seat is also adjustable from 850-870mm. Suzuki’s V-Stroms have always been good value, whether in 650 or 1000cc form, and this looks certain to continue with these new versions – but they are also facing ever-stiffer competition from the likes of Honda and their also much-improved-for-2020 CRF1100 Africa Twin. Suzuki have not yet revealed how much their two newcomers will cost, but the base model (available in black and white or black and grey) should be around a tempting £10,000 while the XT (available in white/orange and yellow), is expected to come in at around £11,500.
As a model update, it’s a decent step but it’s another year without a major new model for Suzuki.